Alan and Joan Miller, and Janet Wallace sitting with Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales at The Royal Carol Concert at Westminster.
Three local volunteers chosen to attend a national Christmas event for their good deeds met a princess at the event.
Findhorn’s Janet Wallace, Joan and Alan Miller were amazed when Her Royal Highness The Princess of Wales sat next to them at The Royal Carol Concert at Westminster Abbey.
Janet explained: “Whilst waiting for the service to start, I was aware of a barrage of flashlights and cameras.
“Then the vacant chair to my left was suddenly occupied by the princess, who thanked the three of us for attending!”
She added: “She was interested to know where we had travelled from, when and how we were returning north.
“Meeting her was totally unexpected – an honour and a never to be forgotten experience!”
Supported by The Royal Foundation, The Princess of Wales hosted her fourth ‘Together at Christmas’ Carol Service this month.
This year’s service provided time to reflect upon “the importance of love and empathy, and how much we need each other, especially in the most difficult time of our lives”.
The service shone a light on people from all over the UK who have shown love, kindness and empathy in others in their communities, whether with friends and family, through their work or volunteering.
The Moray Lieutenancy was allocated six places for the event. The criteria for nominations were “good neighbours and people who are supportive in their community”.
Deputy lord lieutenant of Moray, Sue Finnegan, nominated three people from Findhorn and confirmed “they had a wonderful time!”.
She explained: “All three fit the theme of support for others perfectly.
“They are all in remission from serious illness and, despite being in their later years, they all help their neighbours by regularly visiting them and supporting them with transport to appointments, for example, to Aberdeen Royal Infirmary which is a round trip of about five hours plus a wait at the hospital.
“Nearer to home, they do shopping and assorted errands. One visits several elderly widows weekly. Two cared for a neighbour terminally ill with kidney disease whose family lived far away.
“They are on committees which support the community and regularly bake for village events such as the coastal rowing club’s Regatta and the village fair.
“They are star bakers of scones, biscuits and cakes for the weekly village coffee morning and the monthly Scottish Womens’ Institute.
“They have all been doing all of this for years!”
She added: “The palace and the media were particularly interested in their nominations, and they all had a telephone interview with a BBC researcher prior to their departure south.
“Before the service, the princess met and talked to people in the abbey. She stopped and sat down next to the trio from Findhorn and had several minutes of conversation with them – they were thrilled!”
Ms Wallace was initially shocked, then honoured to be invited.
Born and brought up in Findhorn, since returning to the area, she has become involved in organisations in the village and surrounding area.
She said: “Having cleared security at Westminster Abbey, all nominees were welcomed individually by members of the Royal Foundation and made to feel very welcome.
“At the Great West Door, we were invited to decorate a tree with red labels of thanks. On mine, I thanked the Lieutenancy for the nomination, the NHS for their care during my cancer journey, the people of Findhorn, the Royal Voluntary Service and the Scottish Women’s Institute whom I volunteer for.
“The concert was magical – the performing artists were all wonderful.”
Joan and Alan Miller were the other local attendees.
Joan said: “We were surprised but delighted to receive invitations!
“The service was an eclectic mix of carols, readings and modern songs by well known artists.”
“The Princess was charming,” added Alan. “She spoke about the importance of kindness and volunteering to help others.”
Westminster Abbey was filled with 1600 people for the celebration of love helping others thrive.
Combining traditional and modern elements, the service featured Westminster Abbey choir performing some of the nation’s most beloved carols, alongside musical performances from guests including Paloma Faith, Olivia Dean and Gregory Porter.
The service will air as part of a special programme on ITV1 and ITVX on Christmas Eve.
Meanwhile, Janet Wallace and Joan and Alan Miller can be seen talking to HRH the Princess of Wales
https://www.youtube.com/live/j_8JjO4dN8w?si=ZZeO7nd8sHVLyjk0
